“Now to him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us” (Ephesians 3:20 – King James Version) My genuine hope and primary purpose for the Ephesians 3:20 Faith Encouragement and Empowerment Blog is to assist all people of faith, regardless of your prism of experience, to grow spiritually toward unconditional self-acceptance and develop personally acquiring progressive integrity of belief and lifestyle. I pray you will discover your unique purpose in life. I further pray love, joy, peace, happiness and unreserved self-acceptance will be your constant companions. Practically speaking, this blog will help you see the proverbial glass in life as always half full rather than half empty. I desire you become an eternal optimist who truly believes that Almighty God can do anything that you ask or imagine.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Voices in the Mirror

Voices in the Mirror


In his inspiring book, Voices in the Mirror, Gordon Parks, one of the true renaissance men of twentieth century America, encourages everyone to spend sometime each day listening to the voices in the mirror.  Personal development and spiritual growth primarily emerge from daily disciplines of prayer and meditation.  As we stand in front of the mirror, we have a conversation with God and our “innermost self.” 

Painstaking honesty is essential to the discovery of our internal assets that bring joy and the revelation of inner liabilities that impede our growth.  Sometimes, the voices in the mirror comfort us with the good news of God’s unconditional love.  Other times, the voices exhort us to strive more diligently for spiritual progress and personal development.  Mostly, the voices suggest that we find self-acceptance to lead a life that honors and glorifies God, serves humankind and yields inner healing and personal wholeness.

Before we can change anything about ourselves, we must hear the voices in the mirror.  The chorus of our inner self speaks frankly.  We cannot lie to ourselves just as we cannot lie to God.  The voices in the mirror tell us who we are.  They refuse to allow us to shovel verbal balderdash to them.  These voices require us the same unequivocal truth and straightforwardness that they extend.  Therefore, the possibility of change necessitates a level of honesty that exceeds the daily social coloring of the truth. 

Practically speaking, this admission to the inner self requires a detailed inventory of strength and weaknesses.  We do not stand a chance at reversing the unfortunate effects of obesity if we cannot acknowledge our love of food.  After this confession, do we possess the faith and discipline to resolve the situation?  If not, do we care enough to cultivate the willingness to neutralize this personal liability?  A daily account of assets and liabilities assist us in the acquisition of the tools necessary to grow.

Periodically, fear and doubt plague us.  Family, friends and colleagues question our abilities to succeed and excel.  They blindside us with criticisms that undermine our performance.  If we uncritically internalize these remarks, then we begin to doubt ourselves.  Left unresolved this doubt will mature into paralysis and depression. 

Yet, the voices in the mirror can assist in removing that doubt. Perhaps, the chorus of the inner self will recite a portion of Rudyard Kipling’s immortal poem, “If.”  “If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, But make allowance for their doubting, too.”  The balancing act of self-analysis necessitates that we find the good and the bad in everything.  As it relates to the doubts of others, we ask the hard question, “Is there any truth in what they say?”  If yes, then how can I transform this liability into an asset?  If they are wrong, then how do I grow from this false criticism without becoming prideful?  The daily voices in the mirror can aid us in finding confidence without being arrogant.

Because changing our character is one of the most difficult challenges of life, we only do so when a confluence of circumstances coerces us.  Also, change is holistic if it is to become lasting.  We have not truly made a change until we modify our behavior in all components of our existence: mind, heart, soul, spirit, psyche, body, and will.  The inner chorus reminds us of the parts that we so easily overlook.  If we shortchange the process of growth, we repeat steps.  The daily voices in the mirror sing a symphony of encouragement as we take the steps toward personal development and spiritual growth.

Often, the voices recommend that we act our way into right thinking.  It is nice to believe that we would change after the consideration of a cogent analysis of a problem.  Arguably, rationality should lead to progress.  But, logic is a tool that can be used for any number of purposes.  Rather than producing growth, reason, if manipulated, can justify our resistance to change.  But, the voices in the mirror will challenge us to begin the journey of change until it becomes a part of our character.

Have you had a conversation with the voices in the mirror, today?
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